How it All Started

Bruno, our beloved Singapore Special, entered our lives at 4 months old, with one ear flopping down and another perking upwards, giving him a uniquely endearing look. His journey began on the unforgiving streets, picked up alongside his mother and siblings. Re-homed multiple times, Bruno chose us as his forever family. 

Bruno had the best life imaginable. From the best home made food and toys, to daily walks, playtime, nightly lullabies, and comforting massages. Every moment with Bruno was a treasure.

Bursting with character and a distinctive personality, Bruno "talked" his way into everyone's hearts. He witnessed my milestones, stayed with me through late nights, gave me away on my wedding day and made our new apartment a home with his new dad and I. 

One fateful day, not long after his 11th birthday, Bruno's health took a sudden turn. Eating less, growing lethargic, and a swollen belly led us to the emergency vet, where we received devastating news—stage 4 spleen cancer.

Emergency surgery was imperative, but with a low blood count, a transfusion became a lifeline. The realisation that Bruno's fate hinged on the strength of our social networking skills haunted us. Despite our efforts, Bruno succumbed to the illness, leaving a void that can never be filled. 

In a perfect world he would live forever, through all the milestones and mundane moments. But like all dogs, he didn't and I will spend the rest of my lifetime missing him. They say that grief is like the final act of love and as my final act of love I created Bark Bank.

Bark Bank is a tribute to Bruno, with a mission to enhance Singapore's canine blood donation system. The harrowing pain of losing Bruno made me realise that while adopting one dog at a time was impactful, there is more to be done. Our goal is to spotlight the importance of canine blood donation and inspire compassionate donors to step forward. Writing about Bruno in the past tense will always be difficult, but at least now Bark Bank is in the present.